ICONDA

Global economic policymakers are facing increasing demands from diverse environmental constituents to prioritize sustainable development through the implementation of strict environmental policies, energy transition strategies, and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption by fostering technological advancement. This study aims to assess the moderating role of environmental Policy Stringency (EPS), among Geopolitical Risks (GPR), Energy Transition (ET), Technological Innovation (INV), and environmental degradation (CO2 emission). This study relies on empirical datasets spanning the years 1990 to 2022 in 13 EU countries and employed an extensive range of econometric techniques., Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS), Fully modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS), Canonical Cointegration Regression (CCR), and Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) to examine the data. The empirical findings demonstrate that interaction of GPREPS, INVEPS, and ET*EPS plays a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability and lowering CO2 emissions. Whereas, environmental degradation is attributed to higher geopolitical instability and increased economic activities. Further, Quantile Regression (QR) and Feasible Generalized least square (FGLS) methods are employed to check the robustness empirical findings of the primary techniques. Based on our comprehensive empirical research findings, we can put forth constructive policy recommendations aimed at addressing environmental concerns and achievement of SDGs 7 & 13 in EU region.

Locomotive Traction Electric Motors (TEMs) generate power to rotate the wheelsets of diesel or electric locomotives, electric or diesel multiple units. TEMs are the most critical parts of traction rolling stock on which exploitation costs, reliability and train traffic safety depend. The purpose of the article is to evaluate the possibility of diagnostics the technical condition of the TEM using the rotation irregularities of the armature shaft in the electric motor as a diagnostic parameter. The article analyses the main causes of TEM failures and methods for diagnosing electric motors in operation. The expediency of using the rotation irregularities of the armature shaft in the electric motor as a diagnostic parameter is substantiated. The structural flowchart of the device for measuring the rotation irregularities of the armature is presented. Diagnosing the mechanical part of an electric motor is chosen as an implementation example. The authors confirmed the connection between the technical condition of the electric motor and the statistical indicators calculated for the signal of the rotation irregularities of the armature shaft.

Green supplier selection is an important component of sustainable supply chain management, particularly in emerging markets where environmental rules and institutional support may be inadequate. This study addresses the need for a structured, sustainability-focused decision-making strategy by presenting a novel hybrid framework that merges the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The suggested methodology enables systematic evaluation of suppliers by including both subjective expert judgment and objective performance data under conditions of uncertainty. A case study conducted inside the Sri Lankan construction sector demonstrates the practical applicability of the concept. Suppliers were evaluated on four important criteria: environmental, economic, social, and technological. The data reveal that Supplier A is the most suited choice, excelling mainly in environmental and social dimensions. Environmental compliance emerged as the most relevant element in the selection process. By merging fuzzy language assessments with quantitative analysis, the hybrid Fuzzy AHP–TOPSIS method promotes the accuracy, transparency, and consistency of supplier evaluation. The results give valuable insights for industry practitioners, procurement managers, and legislators aiming to connect purchasing choices with long-term sustainability goals. Additionally, the framework gives an accurate platform for future research and application in similar scenarios, helping the growth of green purchasing practices in developing nations.

The popularity of electric scooters as an individual means of transport results from their availability in the urban sharing system, ease of movement in the city and reduction of driving time compared to other means of passenger transport. The user can choose from a whole range of vehicles with different driving range and equipment with elements increasing the functionality of using the scooter. The article presents a proposal for changes to the design of a typical electric scooter. The main objective of the work is the engineering design of suspension and braking systems, in particular the swing arm suspension of the front and rear wheels and an additional disc brake. Increasing the diameter of the wheels and equipping it with a front and rear suspension system allowed for the reduction of vibrations and shocks transferred to the vehicle when driving on uneven surfaces. The results of analytical calculations confirming the positive effects of the introduced modifications were included. Adding a disc brake allowed for shortening the braking distance from 13.7 to 8.9 m, which has a positive effect on driving safety. A Finite Element Method (FEM) strength analysis was also performed, the results of which confirm the correctness of the new design. The modernized design improved the ride comfort and safety of using the electric scooter. First published online 9 February 2026.

Electronic building permit systems, integral to e-government services, aim to enhance the efficiency and user ex­perience of the permit process. Despite their widespread adoption, these systems often fall short, complicating and delaying the process. The presence of a variety of stakeholders in such permit systems complicates interactions between actors; nev­ertheless, no research has examined permit systems from a stakeholder analysis approach. This gap is filled by a formal so­cial network analysis that thoroughly investigates interconnected and multi-level governing systems. This study investigates the electronic building permit system’s successes and failures in the construction industry. A mixed-methods approach was used, including interviews with applicants and employees, process mining analysis of event logs from 50 projects, case study observation, and social network analysis. The findings highlight significant barriers: poor communication and coordination among different agency employees, and a lack of adherence to established timeframes. Additionally, the study reveals that these systems are largely automated versions of their traditional counterparts, lacking substantial redesign or restructuring. Consequently, the researchers recommend a thorough re-evaluation and redesign of the electronic building permit system and propose implementing a one-stop-shop platform to facilitate inter-agency collaboration and streamline both internal and external communications and coordination.

Following the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), in 2026, the non-financial reporting obligation will be extended to small and medium-sized enterprises listed on the regulated market and meet employment and financial criteria. The obligation will also affect their contractors, suppliers, customers, and all stakeholders that influence a company’s overall Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The study aims to identify the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ (SME) practices in the field of ESG and recognise whether they are ready to report on their ESG activities. A quantitative method was used to obtain a general picture of the approach to ESG practices. The study was conducted among 300 Polish companies. The study results show that about half of the surveyed small and medium-sized enterprises conduct ESG activities and monitor ESG indicators. More than half demonstrate basic or good readiness for ESG reporting following the adopted criterion. This study’s contribution is twofold. First, it enriches the current state of knowledge by adding original insights into the ESG practices of SMEs, while most existing studies focus on the ESG activities of large enterprises. Second, the study’s novelty is its attempt to assess the readiness for ESG reporting at the corporate and country levels.

The rapid development of digital technologies – such as IoT, AI, blockchain, and digital twins – has transformed supply chains into interconnected ecosystems, making digital supplier selection both critical and complex. For the first time, this study proposes a novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, Multiple Normalization Rating Analysis (MUNRA), for ranking alternatives. It integrates linear, vector, and non-linear normalization to improve robustness, reduce rank reversal, and enhance decision accuracy. A case study of digital supplier selection in the textile industry is considered for a real-life application of the method. Results highlight technology integration, flexibility, and technological capability as the most influential criteria for selecting digital suppliers. Moreover, the final ranking of the six digital suppliers is as follows: DS5, DS4, DS2, DS6, DS1, and DS3. Validation through comparative MCDM methods, Spearman correlation, and sensitivity analyses confirms the credibility of the method. It is also shown that it is free from the rank reversal phenomenon. The research presents a computationally efficient and rigorous method for evaluating digital suppliers, offering strategic insights for digital supply chain management. The application of MUNRA to a larger decision-making problem further illustrates its scalability and cross-domain applicability.

The integration of renewable energy into urban development has some critical legal challenges. However, the literature lacks a systematic framework for prioritizing the most critical obstacles. Existing studies generally address the legal barriers to the integration of renewable energy into urban areas at a general level. Therefore, these studies do not provide a systematic framework to prioritize which barriers are more critical. This deficiency creates some important problems such as increasing investor distrust, delays in projects and increasing costs. This study tries to fill this gap by establishing a novel hybrid decision-making model to evaluate hidden legal challenges in renewable energy integration. The proposed model follows a structured methodology by integrating z-scoring method to ensure expert representativeness, p,q,r-Fractional fuzzy sets to handle uncertainties, entropy method to compute the weights of the identified legal barriers and grey relational analysis to identify the most effective strategy alternatives. The main contribution is that prior investment strategies can be identified to overcome these legal challenges regarding the integration of renewable energy into urban development by creating a novel model. The use of p,q,r-Fractional fuzzy sets in this model provides an important contribution to the literature. With the help of considering these sets, more complex and multi-dimensional uncertainties can be managed more effectively. The findings highlight the significance of financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to have the sustainable transformation of urban areas.

Because of a societal push towards sustainability a problem emerges of adapting the concept to different sectors of the economy and society. The differing complexities of different fields and social structures make it difficult to create a universal sustainability strategy. Higher education institutions (HEIs) consist of a broad range of people, working in various fields of industry, making it an appropriate cross-section of the nation. Adapting sustainability practices in these institutions would allow to screen for successful policies before implementing them more widely, detecting most effective practices, allowing a faster transition towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is hard to decide where to start, as many sustainable practices exist. This article presents the case study of VILNIUS TECH and conducts a comparison with universities in the region, determining best sustainability practices. The Greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol standard was used to form the emission inventory. The university comparison will help identify effective HEIs carbon footprint minimization practices, as well as other implemented policies as an example of where HEIs should start on their road to a more sustainable institution.

Statistical data indicates a rising trend in the frequency and unpredictability of floods globally. Regions traditionally less affected by flooding are reportedly experiencing an increased impact, underscoring the widespread nature of this phenomenon. Over the past decade, the overall incidence of floods has significantly increased, affecting billions of people worldwide. If appropriate measures are not taken, floods driven by climate change, urbanization, and the consequences of human activities will continue to increase in frequency and intensity, leading to even greater economic, social, and environmental losses. Proper selection of management strategies and risk reduction measures is becoming particularly important for reducing flood risks. Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods are well-suited for addressing such complex, multi-criteria problems. Therefore, this study aims to explore the research fields of MCDM application in flood management and identify the most widely used methods. This is done to clarify their benefits and enhance their applicability. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) revealed that the research field is broad and dynamic, evolving over the decades. However, the application of MCDM remains popular and, according to current trends, continues to gain popularity. New research fields are also emerging, such as “Identification and/or Mapping of Flood-Prone Areas” and “Sustainable Infrastructure Assessment”, highlighting scientist growing concern about the importance of evaluating vulnerable areas and applying sustainable solutions to address flood management challenges. The findings are particularly relevant to real estate and property management, as they support the development of evidence-based frameworks for assessing property-level flood resilience and for guiding investment decisions to protect built assets.